Blerd

11 Self-care activities for blerds to cope with recent tragedies

| July 11 2016,

02:00 am

I'm hurting. The past week I've felt like an android on autopilot, just going through the motions. I have a really good game face and a lot of required practice. But in times of trauma, it's very easy for this black nerd to overheat. Self-care, especially during times like these, is more important than anyone will ever admit. And many of us, myself included, forget that we don't need permission to take comfort in life's simple pleasures. And I was burnt out. My light was gone

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Then I read this.

One of my favorite comic book writers, David F. Walker, reminded me why I started reading comics in the first place. Because sometimes it's just too scary to go outside. So, I made a list for when you need some time to escape, to recharge or to replace your light. Here are some things that I did (and you can do) to take back some much-needed joy

Read stories about heroes that look like us.

1. The Ultimates

Photo: Marvel Comics
One of my very favorite comic book runs that started last year is The Ultimates. It's a mostly black and brown team-up, featuring Blue Marvel, Ms. America, Spectrum (formerly Captain Marvel), Captain Marvel and Black Panther. Even though the two creators are white (we still need more representation behind the scenes) I really enjoy seeing a team of PoC throwing hands for justice

2. Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet

Photo: Marvel Comics
Ta-Nehisi Coates' run of Black Panther has been very enjoyable for me. It's the most human the Wakandan king has ever been in my eyes. And something about that is both jarring and beautiful. Read this first three issues and take a look into Coates and Brian Stelfreeze's manmade Wakanda

3. Power Man and Iron Fist

Photo: Marvel Comics
If you don't know how I feel about Luke Cage, here's everything you need to know. And like I sad, David F. Walker is one of my favorites

Take a nostalgia trip.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Photo: Tumblr
These heroes in a half-shell were a huge part of my childhood. Chances are if you are a child of the late '80s or early '90s, they were for you, too. Amazon has the entire first season for $8. But you know, it's the internet

8. Dragon Ball Z

Photo: Giphy
Yes, there's tons of other anime you could watch. But for most blerd guys and gals I know, this was the gateway. After school, I couldn't wait to get home to watch this show. It's a bunch of really good guys saving the world from really bad guys. Funimation has a free trial period on streaming. Or again, it's the internet
If you'd rather watch the Boondocks, or Star Wars, or whatever it is you're in the mood for – go for it. Just make sure it's some prime-time feel-good stuff from childhood and you'll be hooked

Have some mindless fun.

9. Pokémon Go

Photo: Tumblr
As an OG Pokemon player circa Christmas 1998, I can't get jiggy with it. But, if you're less familiar with the franchise or don't mind the changes, this one is hot right now. After about 30 minutes, I gave up. Please be safe while you're walking around catching Pokémon in augmented reality please. There are already horror stories out there

10. Disney Crossy Road

Photo: Disney
I'm addicted and I have no shame. It's in the app store

11. Stack

Photo: Ketchapp
Also, deceptively addictive. I've played for an hour straight in one sitting
I chose all mobile games because not everybody has a console or games on their PC (I'm a huge fan of The Sims). But whatever you play, the point is to have fun and get lost in the screen for a while

If this will be helpful for even one or two of you out there, then mission complete. That's all I could ever really hope for. No matter what you do to relax and recharge, make sure you take some time for self-care this week. You need it. And if no one else will tell you that, I will

Photo: Tumblr

What do you do when you need to unwind? Let me know in the comments, I read and reply to all of them. Finally, hit the share button and tag a friend who needs to see this.

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